RICS artificial intelligence in construction report
Industry news RICS artificial intelligence in construction report A RICS report, based on surveys of over 2,200 professionals, finds AI adoption in construction remains low but is poised to accelerate. Skills shortages, poor data and integration challenges hinder progress, yet professionals expect major future impacts in design optioneering and project optimisation. Clear strategies, upskilling and […]
Call for workforce reforms to tackle construction skills crisis
Industry news Call for workforce reforms to tackle construction skills crisis A CSJ report warns the construction sector will miss the 1.5 million homes target without major reform. With an ageing workforce, declining young entrants and a need for 48,000 extra workers a year, the study calls for overhaul of training, recruitment and labour models […]
Framework for digital competencies across the built environment workforce
Industry news Framework for digital competencies across the built environment workforce The Construction Leadership Council has released a new framework defining core digital and data competencies for the built environment workforce. It provides a clear structure for assessing skills, identifying upskilling needs and guiding investment in training. The framework aims to build a future ready […]
CIOB releases new report on construction industry capacity
Industry news CIOB releases new report on construction industry capacity CIOB’s new report highlights major challenges including skills shortages, business volatility and frequent firm failures, urging policymakers to prioritise long-term stability. The report argues that reducing volatility and improving the business environment are essential for a more resilient, productive industry. READ THE FULL ARTICLE Share […]
Retrofit Zone opened at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre
Industry news Retrofit Zone opened at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre The UK’s only permanent venue for independent homebuilding advice and support has opened a new Retrofit Zone to show homeowners how to upgrade their homes for better comfort, efficiency and sustainability. Education is essential within our retrofit journey so initiatives like this […]
Preserving the past, powering the future: green upgrades for London’s heritage homes
Industry news Preserving the past, powering the future: green upgrades for London’s heritage homes London Councils has launched the London Retrofit Heritage Homes Guide to help boroughs deliver low-carbon upgrades that preserve the city’s architectural heritage while delivering benefits for residents. With 17% of London’s homes in conservation areas, and major barriers to energy efficiency […]
Retrofit supply chain calls for more contracts
Industry news Retrofit supply chain calls for more contracts NHDG leader Derek Horrocks has flagged that local authorities and housing associations could lose Warm Homes Plan funding if year one allocations for energy efficiency projects aren’t completed by March 2026. Derek has also highlighted that vulnerable households and the retrofit supply chain could lose out […]
United Infrastructure and University of Salford partner to advance UK retrofit innovation
Industry news United Infrastructure and University of Salford partner to advance UK retrofit innovation Property services provider United Infrastructure has partnered with University of Salford to deliver a full-scale 1930s property within Energy House 2.0, the University’s world-leading research facility. The collaboration marks the first project under the new Centre for Retrofit, to develop scalable […]
Build it Together: Women’s Experiences in Architecture
Industry news Build it Together: Women’s Experiences in Architecture A new RIBA-commissioned report, Build It Together, sheds light on women’s experiences in architecture more than two decades after a landmark study first exposed widespread inequality in the profession. Despite progress in some areas, the findings reveal that many of the same challenges remain, including pay […]
Government sets out refreshed net-zero plan
Industry news Government sets out refreshed net-zero plan The UK Government has published its first comprehensive plan for decarbonising key industries in line with its legally binding carbon budgets. The plan covers ambitions for energy, transport, industry and buildings – including major growth in heat pumps and home retrofits. READ THE FULL ARTICLE Share this article: […]
New Towns Taskforce Report published with focuses on placemaking and affordability
Industry news New Towns Taskforce Report published with focuses on placemaking and affordability We welcome the New Towns Taskforce Report to the Government. If strengthened, a number of the 44 key recommendations could help make New Towns sustainable, healthy, and community-focused. You can read our take on the taskforce’s report. We are open to conversations […]
Healthy Homes Standard
Industry news Healthy Homes Standard We are pleased to see our work on Overheating referenced in Homes England’s recently published Healthy Homes Standard (Point 19 – Good Homes Alliance – Overheating in New Homes guidance 2019). We are delighted this is out and enabling more conversation about healthier more resilient homes and communities – let’s continue […]
New map of active retrofit services in England
Industry news Transform-ER launches Collaboration Toolkit We love this new Collaboration Toolkit from Transform-ER – a practical, free resource to help retrofit teams build trust and work together more effectively. Drawing on real project learning, it includes tools and games to make collaboration easier, more open, and more rewarding for everyone involved. READ THE FULL […]
Transform-ER launches Collaboration Toolkit
Industry news Transform-ER launches Collaboration Toolkit We love this new Collaboration Toolkit from Transform-ER – a practical, free resource to help retrofit teams build trust and work together more effectively. Drawing on real project learning, it includes tools and games to make collaboration easier, more open, and more rewarding for everyone involved. READ THE FULL […]
New report on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
Industry news New report on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) We’re proud to share our latest report, Improving Health and Housing Outcomes in the Private Rental Sector. It explores how stronger MEES could deliver healthier, more affordable homes and sets out where action is needed on affordability, enforcement, skills, and tenant protection to make change […]
Two new retrofit reports from Carbon Co-op
Industry news Two new retrofit reports from Carbon Co-op We’ve been reading two new reports from Carbon Co-op that dig into what makes retrofit work for tenants as well as buildings. Packed with honest reflections from the frontline, they share real experiences and practical steps for creating retrofit that’s trusted, effective, and built around people. […]
Skilled to build report – Unlocking the skills to power a greener future
Industry news Skilled to build report – Unlocking the skills to power a greener future The UK’s path to Net Zero is under threat, not for lack of ambition or innovation, but due to a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople capable of delivering the renewable and clean heat solutions required at scale. TrustMark’s Skilled to […]
CLC sets out a digital competencies framework
Industry news CLC sets out a digital competencies framework The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has set out a framework for digital competencies. It focuses on core data and digital competencies across all sectors and sizes of organisations. Digital and data skills are increasingly essential for ensuring standards in design, monitoring, sustainability and compliance. This shows […]
Strengthening ADR frameworks: advancing fair and effective consumer dispute resolution
Industry news Strengthening ADR frameworks: advancing fair and effective consumer dispute resolution Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers a way for consumers to find justice without the cost and complexity of going to court. In the UK, ADR plays a vital role in consumer protection, giving people a way to solve problems with businesses efficiently, without […]
RICS survey reveals critical skills shortages
Industry news RICS survey reveals critical skills shortages The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released a new report that confirms the surveying profession continues to face significant and widening skills shortages, especially in construction. It found that around 90% of surveyors reckon their area of work is being affected by a shortage of […]
Ten contractors win spots on £1bn decarbonisation framework
Industry news Ten contractors win spots on £1bn decarbonisation framework Ten firms, including Equans, Morgan Sindall and Wates, have been appointed to a £1 billion retrofit and decarbonisation framework launched by the South East Consortium. The four-year agreement enables public sector bodies and housing providers in London and the South East to procure carbon reduction […]
Join our RetroFirst campaign to make retrofit the default choice
Industry news Join our RetroFirst campaign to make retrofit the default choice Emily Booth argues that retrofit must become the default approach to building, as construction consumes vast resources and produces up to 40% of UK carbon emissions. The Architects’ Journal’s RetroFirst campaign urges government action through tax cuts on refurbishment, pro-reuse planning policies, and […]
West Midlands mayor unveils £75m construction skills boost
Industry news West Midlands mayor unveils £75m construction skills boost West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has announced a £75 million skills programme to train 12,000 construction workers over three years, tackling the region’s labour shortage. Led by Dudley College’s Technical Excellence Hub, the scheme will support housing, transport and retrofit projects, with funding from the […]
Social housing tenants to get warmer homes thanks to £2.6m in home retrofit grants
Industry news Social housing tenants to get warmer homes thanks to £2.6m in home retrofit grants Hundreds of social housing tenants across Scotland will benefit from warmer, more energy-efficient homes after £2.6 million in funding was secured through the Scottish Government’s Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund, supported by Changeworks. Working with Midlothian Council, Cairn […]
Data is the driving force for future sustainability
Industry news Data is the driving force for future sustainability Dr Lee Jones of Hubexo says reliable data at the planning and design stages is vital to cutting carbon and achieving net zero. Early data driven decisions on materials and systems have the greatest impact, supported by digital tools like BIM. Transparency from manufacturers through […]
From concept to construction: the impact of AI in architecture
Industry news From concept to construction: the impact of AI in architecture AI is helping architects by handling some of the repetitive drafting tasks such as layouts, elevations, and floor plans, allowing architects to regain time for creativity. The augmented intelligence workflow, one where the human is not replaced but enhanced with AI tools, allows […]
The case for a Minister of Construction Innovation
Industry news The case for a Minister of Construction Innovation As London prepares for a new wave of public housing, Jay Morton of Bell Phillips argues that innovation and leadership must define the next phase. With government plans for 1.5 million homes, he calls for regenerative construction using natural materials to balance housing demand with […]
‘You need to understand what it’s for’: how should architects be preparing for an AI-charged future?
Industry news ‘You need to understand what it’s for’: how should architects be preparing for an AI-charged future? Architectural practices must embrace AI and digital tools strategically, focusing on data accuracy, collaboration, and upskilling. Experts stress adopting an information-first mindset, integrating automation to enhance rather than replace creativity, and rethinking business models. Success depends on […]
How SMEs can unlock growth with smarter marketing and customer engagement
Industry news How SMEs can unlock growth with smarter marketing and customer engagement UK SMEs face a crowded marketplace where visibility and customer connection are increasingly difficult. Success requires creative, multi-channel digital marketing, responsible targeting of niche audiences, and leveraging technology for customer insights. By combining innovation with responsibility, SMEs can adapt to shifting consumer […]
Three big things we still don’t know about AI’s energy burden
Industry news Three big things we still don’t know about AI’s energy burden Researchers sought to uncover how much energy AI models like ChatGPT or Gemini consume per response, a figure long withheld by companies. In 2023, OpenAI and Google finally revealed estimates: 0.34 and 0.24 watt hours per query, respectively, aligning with prior guesses. […]
Introducing Building Systems Thinking: A new content programme in collaboration with Buildings and the Built Environment Connective
Industry news Introducing Building Systems Thinking: A new content programme in collaboration with Buildings and the Built Environment Connective Systems thinking helps address complexity, interconnection, and interdependency in the built environment. Failures show how fragmented approaches hinder progress, while joined-up thinking strengthens safety, resilience, and sustainability. By equipping planners, designers, and managers with holistic strategies, […]
How to use innovative thinking to find new opportunities
Industry news How to use innovative thinking to find new opportunities In fast-changing markets, innovation is no longer optional but essential. Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z in 2008, expanded beyond entertainment into sports, representing stars like Kevin Durant and Robinson Canó. Embracing new opportunities, it launched Roc Nation Sports International in 2019, led by Michael […]
AI-Driven Retrofit Planning Set to Revolutionise Real Estate Investment
Industry news AI-Driven Retrofit Planning Set to Revolutionise Real Estate Investment AI is transforming commercial real estate by enabling smarter, data-driven retrofit investment planning. With rising climate regulations and tenant demand for sustainable spaces, AI helps quantify emissions, model Net Operating Income, and assess building performance, creating clearer investment value through the “green premium.” READ […]
Hertfordshire unites behind first retrofit strategy to improve home energy efficiency
Industry news Hertfordshire unites behind first retrofit strategy to improve home energy efficiency Hertfordshire has launched its first countywide Retrofit Strategy, uniting councils, businesses, housing providers, educators and communities to accelerate energy upgrades across 483,000 homes by 2050. Aimed at tackling leaky, inefficient housing, the plan builds on £100m already secured for improvements. It seeks […]
Salix supports GMCA’s £28m Public Building Retrofit fund helping decarbonise Greater Manchester’s public estate
Industry news Salix supports GMCA’s £28m Public Building Retrofit fund helping decarbonise Greater Manchester’s public estate Salix Finance is partnering with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to deliver the new £28m Public Building Retrofit Fund, supporting low-carbon heating and energy efficiency upgrades across public sector buildings. Running from 2025–28, the initiative aims to help Greater Manchester […]
How architects can lead the charge on neighbourhood scale retrofit
Industry news How architects can lead the charge on neighbourhood scale retrofit Architects can drive neighbourhood-scale retrofit, transforming entire estates rather than individual homes. By coordinating insulation, ventilation, green spaces, and energy upgrades, they improve health, reduce carbon, and create jobs. Acting as conveners, architects unite stakeholders and communities to design tailored solutions. With supportive […]
Construction companies investing in AI – but a long way to go
Industry news Construction companies investing in AI – but a long way to go A section of our survey is asking about AI adoption within construction. This work from Wipfli suggests there may be positive responses in this section, but with a caveat. 82% of respondents say their organisation has an AI strategy, but that […]
Advertising in the Age of Emotion
Industry news Advertising in the Age of Emotion Brian Danzis of Seedtag advises marketers to think in an entirely new way about content: start from the emotional state that a piece of content triggers and work backwards from there to discover the most resonant placements. As we work to change the perception of construction in […]
Current numbers of workers mean government missing targets
Industry news Current numbers of workers mean government missing targets The reality of the skills gap crisis right now is that the government is missing it’s housebuilding targets, and the lack of workers is playing a major part in this. The skills shortage outlined in the story above isn’t a problem for the future, it’s […]
Why professionals in the Built Environment need to show up in schools – and how you can help
Industry news Why professionals in the Built Environment need to show up in schools – and how you can help I am a huge fan of the Built Environment Schools Trust’s mission. In this blog, CEO Terry Watts, argues professionals must visit schools to counter the industry’s ‘muddy boots’ image and help fix the supply […]
Chancellor announces £39bn ‘social and affordable homes’ investment
Industry news Chancellor announces £39bn ‘social and affordable homes’ investment Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £39bn Affordable Housing Programme, the largest investment in social and affordable homes in 50 years, alongside £10bn for housebuilding and a 10-year rent settlement. Developed with Angela Rayner, the plan offers long-term certainty for housing associations, praised by sector leaders […]
Department of Transport merges rail developers to build 40,000 homes on disused brownfield
Industry news Department of Transport merges rail developers to build 40,000 homes on disused brownfield The Government has launched Platform4, a new company merging London and Continental Railways with Network Rail’s Property Team to transform disused railway land in Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Cambridge. The initiative will deliver 40,000 homes, green spaces, and commercial sites, […]
Future Homes Standard to mandate solar PV in autumn launch, Ministry confirms
Industry news Future Homes Standard to mandate solar PV in autumn launch, Ministry confirms The Government will publish the final Future Homes Standard this autumn, confirming plans to mandate solar panels on most new homes alongside low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency. Industry bodies welcomed the move but warned of skills shortages, roof safety risks, […]
Studio Bark retrofits victorian-era ‘meadow house’ with cork and timber extension
Industry news Studio Bark retrofits victorian-era ‘meadow house’ with cork and timber extension Meadow House by Studio Bark is a deep retrofit and extension of a Victorian villa in Tunbridge Wells. The project improves comfort and cuts energy use by 75%, using low-carbon materials, a modular self-build system, and passive design. It blends preserved historic […]
Unlocking the true potential of retrofit
Industry news Unlocking the true potential of retrofit Efforts to decarbonise the built environment are fragmented, with certification schemes often hindering progress. A shift is needed to prioritise embodied carbon and whole-life assessments. Retrofit must be incentivised over rebuilds, with policies that reward circularity, reuse, and genuine sustainability READ THE FULL ARTICLE Share this article: […]
National Retrofit Hub: Delivering retrofit through local action
Industry news Behind the Build: Retrofitting Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre Community retrofit must be done with people, not done to them. The National Retrofit Hub is prioritising community-led approaches to build trust, enable uptake, and reach overlooked places. Co-led by CSE, PPR, and HEAL, the work focuses on engagement, governance, and support to scale successful, […]
Behind the Build: Retrofitting Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre
Industry news Behind the Build: Retrofitting Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre This case study shares the lessons learned, innovation approaches, and phased delivery from the retrofit of Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre. The retrofit has reduced the building’s energy demand, decarbonised its heating system with a first-of-its-kind heat pump and solar PVT system, and introduced CLT and […]
3 key insights on the digital transformation of the construction sector
Industry news 3 key insights on the digital transformation of the construction sector The World Economic Forum emphasises the need for an empowered and upskilled workforce to effectively harness emerging technologies. Acknowledging that significant gaps are stalling next-generation projects pertaining to climate change, the energy transition, urban development and sustainable growth, WEF makes the case […]
Traceability is changing the way construction teams buy
Industry news Traceability is changing the way construction teams buy Image credit: Summit Art Creations/Shutterstock.com The importance of trusted supplier partnerships is brought to the fore as the author explores changes regarding industry purchasing. With a focus on traceability as a business asset and transparency being a crucial ingredient for supply chain collaboration AZOBuild calls […]
Science park focus could push sustainable progress
Industry news Science park focus could push sustainable progress The UK government’s life sciences sector plan (announced Wednesday 16th July) presents exciting infrastructure opportunities calling for inherently innovative and sustainable solutions. This article explores more novel approaches being explored to construct these ambitious projects in unlikely spaces with speed and sustainability in-mind. READ THE […]